Assessing three methods to estimate daily activity patterns in radio-tracking mongooses

Abstract

We assessed 3 methods of estimating daily activity patterns in the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneusnon): net activity time (Ml), percentage of localizations with activity (M2), and distance traveled (M3). The 3 methods gave similar results (r, > 0.89, P < 0.0001). With Ml and M2 7 days of tracking were necessary for obtaining a consistent activity pattern (r3 = 0.91), whereas 15 days were required for M3 0’. = 0.80).